DF And GF (Children - Placement Order Or Special Guardianship Order), Re

DF And GF (Children - Placement Order Or Special Guardianship Order), Re

GF's welfare requires complete security and stability, which can only be achieved by a placement order leading to adoption by NG and LG. The mother's unreliability and denial of findings pose ongoing risks. Special guardianship would not provide sufficient protection or authority for the aunt and uncle. The distorting effect of adoption is outweighed by the need for permanence and certainty for GF. The parents' consents are dispensed with as required by GF's welfare.

Parties
Applicant: A Local Authority; Mother: MF; Child: DF; Child: GF; Aunt and Uncle (prospective Adopters): NG and LG; Children's Guardian: Mike Cain; Father of GF: GJ; Father of DF: AB
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
22 August 2013
Procedural Posture
Child Welfare Proceedings / Final Judgment on Placement/adoption Orders
Outcome
Placement order made for GF, leading to adoption by NG and LG. Full care order for DF in favour of the local authority. Parental consents to placement order dispensed with.
Legal Topics
Adoption, Special Guardianship, Placement Orders, Contact Arrangements, Dispensing With Parental Consent
Family Law Child Protection Adoption Special Guardianship Placement Orders Contact Arrangements Dispensing With Parental Consent

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Parties

A Local Authority

Applicant

MF

Mother

DF

Child

GF

Child

NG and LG

Aunt and Uncle (prospective Adopters)

Mike Cain

Children's Guardian

GJ

Father of GF

AB

Father of DF

Procedural Posture

Child Welfare Proceedings / Final Judgment on Placement/adoption Orders

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a placement order or special guardianship order should be made for GF
  2. 2 Appropriate contact arrangements between GF, her mother, and DF
  3. 3 Whether to dispense with parental consent for placement order

Ratio Decidendi

GF's welfare requires complete security and stability, which can only be achieved by a placement order leading to adoption by NG and LG. The mother's unreliability and denial of findings pose ongoing risks. Special guardianship would not provide sufficient protection or authority for the aunt and uncle. The distorting effect of adoption is outweighed by the need for permanence and certainty for GF. The parents' consents are dispensed with as required by GF's welfare.

Court Disposition

Placement order made for GF, leading to adoption by NG and LG. Full care order for DF in favour of the local authority. Parental consents to placement order dispensed with.

Orders

  • Placement order for GF
  • Dispensing with parental consent for placement order